Carson Tinker

Grade

Draft Analysis:

6'1" Height

220LBS. Weight

Overview

The lives of many members of the Alabama football squad were affected by the April 2011 tornado going through Tuscaloosa, but few as personally as Tinker. He and his girlfriend, Ashley, were thrown from the closet inside his house, and she did not survive. Tinker accepted the Disney Spirit Award months later on behalf of the team’s efforts around the community following the disaster, still with a heavy heart.

Tinker walked on to the Alabama program before the 2008 season, passing on scholarship offers from other schools. He played in one game as a redshirt freshman in 2009, and then took over the snapping duties for punts and placements for every game the following three years. Tinker finished his career with 38 career games, and was successful on 133-135 snapping attempts.

Analysis

Strengths

Strong, efficient delivery without a hitch or any other extra movement. Typically right on the money with his accuracy, hitting the torso with minimal lateral movement by the receptor. Holds up to bullish rushes despite his lack of size. Gives very good effort to cover punts, maintains his lane to prevent a hole in the middle.

Weaknesses

Below-average height for the position, carries some extra weight in the middle in order to build some bulk to his smaller frame. Velocity is only adequate, some 15-yard snaps can take 0.8 seconds or more to reach its target; might have room to improve there. Lacks great speed when running downfield in coverage.

NFL Comparison

Josh Harris

Bottom Line

Tinker joined many others in the Tuscaloosa area in losing a loved one to the April 2011 tornado that ravaged the area; he and his girlfriend, Ashley, were thrown from his house during the storm, but she did not survive. The team’s BCS title run the following season helped heal the community, if only in a small amount compared to what was lost. Now NFL scouts will be looking to see if Tinker can ratchet up the velocity of his snaps while keeping his excellent accuracy to earn a job at the next level.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.